SEPA issue flood outlook as rain continues

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued a flood outlook, as rain continues to fall over areas that have been affected by flooding.

In the update, it was revealed that around 80mm of rain are expected in north eastern areas over the next 24 hours, with river set to peak late tonight (Thursday) and in to tomorrow morning.

Nigel Goody, Hydrology Duty Manager, said: “Heavy rainfall and hill snow will affect much of Scotland on Thursday, especially over eastern Tayside, Angus and Aberdeenshire. While the rain will become more showery across the southwest, it will persist in north eastern areas where very high totals of up to 80mm are expected during the next 24 hours.

“The saturated conditions across Aberdeenshire, Tayside and Angus will mean that there is a likelihood of significant flooding during Thursday and overnight into Friday. The prolonged heavy rain overnight and throughout today is causing river levels to rise again with peak times expected to be late on Thursday night and early Friday morning. Particular concern today is focused on flood prone areas close to the River Don and River Deveron, which could potentially see severe flooding impacts. Other areas at risk of significant flooding impacts today include the River Isla, the lower Tay and Angus rivers.

“Significant flooding impacts are likely to be widespread across the north east in general with flooding expected to affect communities and cause disruption to infrastructure and travel. Elsewhere across the Borders, Lothian and Fife flooding impacts will also be experienced. Smaller watercourses will be at risk of causing localised disruption.

“The overall risk of flooding is expected to fall as we move into the weekend. However due to river levels remaining high, there remains the potential for significant impacts if further significant rain occurs.

“We will be working very closely with the Met Office, all our local authority partners and emergency services in affected areas to ensure they have the most up to date forecasts and information throughout today. Our advice to the public remains the same – stay vigilant, follow the advice of emergency responders and check the SEPA website or call SEPA’s Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for the most up-to-date information on their area.”